The Managing Director of the National Fisheries Authority, Justin Ilakini has announced the redevelopment of the National Fisheries College waterfront training facilities.
The initiative reflects the strong and longstanding bilateral partnership between Papua New Guinea and the Government of Japan. It also aligns with the PNG Government’s policy direction to build a broad-based fisheries sector that is not solely dependent on the tuna industry.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ilakini stated that this project represents a transformational investment into the future of fisheries education.
“Through modern facilities, expanded practical training, and strengthened international partnership, the National Fisheries College will be positioned to serve as a leading regional centre of excellence in fisheries training,” Ilakini.
Japan’s first Overseas Development Assistance project at NFC was implemented in 1974 through the construction of the Students Auditorium.
Building on this longstanding cooperation, Japan has again provided grant support for the redevelopment of the NFC waterfront training facilities, including a dedicated Training Vessel. The Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement were executed on 20 June 2025, with Japan’s grant valued at K90,370,844. Together with the Government of Papua New Guinea’s contribution, the total project value stands at K120,000,000 (K120 Million).
NFA has confirmed that the shorefront development component has progressed successfully, with a contractor identified to proceed to the implementation phase at a value of K92 million.
Contract for the shore-based training facilities was signed on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the PNG Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, between NFA and Dai Nippon Construction witnessed by the Secretary of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring Koney Samuel.
The National Fisheries College as a higher-level fisheries learning institution is capable of supporting national workforce development and regional training demand. The transformation of NFC is intended to position the College as a centre of excellence that underpins sustainable growth, industry diversification, and national capacity building in the fisheries sector.
